53-year-old man arrested after beating, stomping victim for not social distancing by Florida pool, o

[Judi Lynn]

53-year-old man arrested after beating, stomping victim for not social distancing by Florida pool, officials say



Rayford Smith, of Glen Allen, Virginia, was arrested Friday
after he beat up a man, smashing the victim's dentures in
his mouth for not social distancing poolside in Florida, police
said. (Collier County Sheriff's Office/Collier County Sheriff's
Office)

By: Jared Leone, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Updated: January 31, 2021 - 9:34 AM

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — A 53-year-old man was arrested Friday after he beat up a man, smashing the victim’s dentures in his mouth for not social distancing poolside in Florida, investigators said.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said Rayford Smith, of Glen Allen, Virginia, was sitting on a bench poolside at the Willough at Naples when the victim walked over to talk to him, WINK reported.

Investigators said Smith asked the man to keep at least six feet distance. The man left, but returned a few minutes later. Smith became angry when the man again did not keep far enough away from him, deputies said. Smith then pushed the man to the ground and repeatedly hit him. Smith also stomped his face, smashing his dentures in his mouth, deputies said. The man also suffered bruising from the attack, WINK reported. The man told investigators Smith attacked him so fast he was unable to defend himself, the Naples Daily News reported. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The victim was not not identified because of Marsy’s Law, a state law that keeps victim information private.

More:
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/trending/53-year-old-man-arrested-after-beating-stomping-victim-not-social-distancing-by-florida-pool-police-say/PBIA3SARBBAFNDRO25XP52NHBM/

[niyad]

1. Come thing weird about this story.

[Sancho]

2. I disagree with the violence, but he'll probably claim "stand your ground" or something...

...weird here in Florida. I also have been frustrated when people get in my space, don't wear masks, etc. So far I haven't punched anyone.

[aaaaaa5a]

4. His defense... He feared for his life. He feared for his safety. NT

[Ferrets are Cool]

3. It would be interesting to see how this plays out

we have all wanted to do this, but didn't. And since it's Florida, there is no telling what the outcome will be.

[mr_lebowski]

5. I don't condone violence, it's maybe time the maskholes start fearing for their physical safety ...

Perhaps this man has just taken one for the proverbial team.

[3Hotdogs]

6. But how could you be defending yourself against something that is clearly a hoax.

Remember, this is Florida.

[Dreampuff]

7. People definitely are scary

When they get into my space or are maskless. But couldn't this man have taken other action like just getting up and walking away or backing away from the person? It seems to work for me. If he is so afraid of getting Coronavirus, why wasn't he in his home state? Vacationing?

[jb5150]

8. Why would people be hanging out by the pool in weather like this?

Seems like there is a lot more to this story ..

[hay rick]

9. Don't be too nice. I'll pay your legal bills...